Stay safe and remain vigilant during stormy weather
Devon County Council is urging people to take care and remain vigilant as bad weather continues in the South West.
High winds and heavy rainfall have caused localised flooding and disruption on many of Devon’s roads, and motorists are being advised to take extra care.
People are also being urged to avoid coastal and river areas as the severe weather continues to cause water levels to rise and waves to over top seafronts.
Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highway Management and Flood Prevention, said:
“With strong winds and heavy rainfall overnight and continuing today there is lots of surface water and localised flooding around, and also a risk of trees down, so conditions will be difficult on the county’s roads. Our highways teams are busy dealing with incidents as they arise, but people need to be prepared for the possibility of disruption.
“No doubt many will be looking to travel during the holidays but please plan your journey, check the weather forecast and avoid travelling unless absolutely essential.
“We would also like to remind people not to drive through floodwater, and avoid exposed coasts during storm conditions. Also please be aware that road closure signs are put up for safety reasons and people should not move them or tamper with them, as it could put others at risk.”
- Don’t travel unless absolutely essential – stay safe and stay home if possible.
- Allow additional time for your journey and reduce your speed;
- Drive with care and according to the conditions
- Do not attempt to drive through flood water;
- If you have vulnerable or elderly neighbours, check to see how they could possibly be helped
- Listen to local radio for updates on current weather conditions.
For the latest information and travel advice follow Devon's Highways Operations Control Centre Manager on Twitter via @HughHOCC or our Emergency Planning Team via @DevonAlert.
Winter weather advice can be found at www.devon.gov.uk/winter
To view the latest coast path closures and safety advice go to www.southwestcoastpath.com
Further information and links to relevant agencies on our website here – http://www.devon.gov.uk/flooding.htm
Find out more about who to contact if you experience flooding here – https://new.devon.gov.uk/floodriskmanagement/who-to-contact-if-you-exper...
